Lower blepharoplasty
Lower eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) is a very popular procedure. It can be effective in treating a number of different issues including excess skin and lower eye bags. The result is a smoother, refreshed and brighter appearance to the eyes and face.
About the surgery
As we age we develop excess loose skin around the eye. In addition, bags can develop as fat causes bulges to develop. These bags cast shadows around the lower eyelid which can make dark circles look worse and make the eyes look heavy and tired. Many people complain that their eyes make them look tired and they feel very self conscious about them.
Blepharoplasty recontours the lower eye lid area and creates a smoother and brighter look. During the procedure and incision is made under the lower eye lashes that allows the fat causing the bags to be redraped and any excess skin removed. The results give a natural smoother look with refreshed and brighter eyes.
Eyelid lift can be performed alone but is frequently combined with other procedures such as upper eye lid surgery, face lifts and fat grafting.
Indication
Dark circles, bags, crepey skin
Anesthetic
General / deep sedation
Downtime
1 -2 weeks
Results
Smooth, refreshed under eye area looking bright and youthful
Anatomy
The fat that is causing the bags is redraped to improve the contour of the undereye area, excess skin is lifted and removed.
Duration
2 hours
Exercise
2 weeks
Price
From £3995
WHAT TO EXPECT ON THE DAY
The team will welcome you to the clinic and get you settled and relaxed. You will meet the consultant anaesthetist who will discuss the anaethetic with you. We will go through the procedure and discuss the process and sign the consent form. Photographs will be taken before heading to theatre.
Once in theatre and asleep, Mr West will mark the planned incision meticulously to ensure the exact result. Through the skin incisions under the lower eyelid, the fat causing the heavy bags is redraped. Any excess skin is removed before small skin stitches are placed. Antibiotic ointment is applied to the scar.
Following surgery you will be transferred to the dedicated recovery area where you will be looked after by our expert staff. Once you are awake and feeling well we will ensure all aftercare is explained and follow up appointments are arranged before letting you leave.
Frequently asked questions
What are the risks associated with this procedure?
We will discuss this in detail at your consultation. Swelling and bruising for a 1 – 2 weeks is to be expected. Infections can occur which are treated with antibiotics. Minor bleeding can rarely happen which should stop with pressure. The scar is usually very well concealed below the lower eyelashes. Sometimes this can take a while to settle down and is helped by regular massage. As the swelling and scar settles it can feel like the lower lid is tight. Any surgery around the eye carries a risk of blindness. Fortunately this is very rare and estimated to be approximately 1 in 20000.
What are the follow up or aftercare procedures?
Sutures are removed after 5 – 7 days and scar massage begins after 2 weeks. Further review appointment is usually made 4-6 weeks after surgery.
When can I start playing sports again?
Light activity is ok after 10 days. Vigorous exercise should be avoided for at least 3 weeks. Anything that gets your face red (bending over, heavy lifting) should be avoided in the first 2 weeks.
When can I wear contact lenses again?
It is recommended that contact lenses should be avoided for 1 – 2 weeks after surgery.
Does lower blepharoplasty treat festoons or malar bags?
Some people have swelling around the lower eye caused by collections of fluid. These are called malar bags or festoons. They are very difficult to treat and lower blepharoplasty will not improve them. In some cases they can be treated with injections of doxycycline to shrink the swollen area.
Does lower blepharoplasty get rid of dark circles?
Lower eye bags can result in dark shadows which will improve after lower blepharoplasty by smoothing the area. However, in some people the skin of the lower eye in naturally dark and this is likely to persist after surgery
Related Treatments
Related Conditions
Eye bags / dark circles / tired eyes
Facial lines / creases / wrinkles
Heavy / hooded / tired eyes
Aging / saggy / tired face